Two women conductors come out for Cate Blanchett’s Tar

Following on from Marin Aslop’s hostile blast, two other conductors have strongly endorsed the film.

The British conductor Alice Farnham said: ‘Pinch me, I may be dreaming! The film star Cate Blanchett has just arrived at the launch party for my book about conducting. For someone who has dedicated years to securing recognition for women in the world of conducting, this feels like a watershed moment… The film is a glinting prism in which everyone will see different things. For me it asks timely questions about the abuse, fragility and illusion of power. Chatting to Cate and Todd at my book launch, it’s no surprise to me, having spent 30 years in this profession, how enrapt they both remain by this most beguiling of art forms.’

The Australian Natalie Murray Beale, who coached Blanchett through reheasals, said: ‘I’m delighted that colleagues say it is authentic. We went into great detail on the psychology of conducting. These abusive behaviours do still exist. There are not many places where a boss has such power. A conductor is a gatekeeper. I have witnessed anger in rehearsal and even a tussle between conductor and musician. It’s a highly competitive field.’